Apparatus to secure a charger block and/or cord

ABSTRACT

An apparatus is provided that may be used to secure an object or objects, such as a charging cord and/or charging adapter or block for example, at a location, such as at an alternating current (AC) wall outlet or other electrical outlet. Apparatus can be sized and dimensioned to secure a complimentary smartphone or cellphone and/or computer (e.g., laptop, tablet, etc.) charging cord and/or charging adapter or block to an electrical outlet using a keyed or other mated fastener.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.17/068,192, filed Oct. 12, 2020, which application claims the benefit ofU.S. Provisional Application No. 62/924,267, filed Oct. 22, 2019 andU.S. Provisional Application No. 62/982,167, filed Feb. 27, 2020, whichapplications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

Handheld telephonic devices (also referred to as cell phones, mobilephones, or smart phones) and portable computers (e.g., laptops, tablets,etc.) are typically sold with a charging cord and/or a charging adapteror wall plug that are used to charge an internal rechargeable battery.Due in part to the small size of the charging cord and/or chargingadapter, these items can be easily lost, misplaced, or appropriated byother users. Accordingly, keeping track of the charging cord and/orcharging adapter can be a frustrating experience, especially when theassociated phone or computer is in need of charging the battery. Forexample, a charging cord and/or charging adapter may be borrowed by afamily member or misappropriated by another user for their own phone orcomputer. It is not uncommon for users to misplace or lose chargersand/or charger cords due to the ease of disconnecting the chargersand/or cords from wall outlets or other charging sources.

SUMMARY

In various aspects, an apparatus is provided and configured to secure anobject or objects, such as a charging cord and/or charging adapter orblock for example, at a location, such as at an alternating current (AC)wall outlet or other electrical outlet. In one aspect, the apparatus issized and dimensioned to secure a complimentary smartphone or cellphoneand/or computer (e.g., laptop, tablet, etc.) charging cord and/orcharging adapter or block to an electrical outlet using a keyed or othermated fastener. Other embodiments are disclosed.

The details of one or more aspects are set forth in the accompanyingdrawings and description below. Other features and advantages will beapparent from a reading of the following detailed description and areview of the associated drawings. It is to be understood that thefollowing detailed description is explanatory only and is notrestrictive of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure willbecome better understood by reference to the following figures, whereinlike reference numbers indicate like elements throughout the severalviews:

FIG. 1A is a side view of apparatus according to an embodiment;

FIG. 1B is a front view of the apparatus;

FIG. 1C is a top view of the apparatus;

FIG. 1D is a rear view of the apparatus;

FIG. 1E is a perspective view of the apparatus;

FIG. 1F is a side view of the apparatus coupled to a charging cord andcharging adapter;

FIG. 1G is a side view of the apparatus with a smaller portion of thecharging cord threaded through a through port or orifice of theapparatus;

FIG. 1H is a perspective view of the apparatus coupled to a chargingcord and charging adapter and secured to a wall outlet using a threadedfastener;

FIG. 1I is a perspective view of the apparatus coupled to a chargingcord and charging adapter and secured to a wall outlet with the threadedfastener;

FIG. 1J is a zoomed in view showing contacting surfaces of apparatuscoupling to a charger block;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the apparatus having longitudinal ribsaccording to an aspect;

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the apparatus according to anotherembodiment;

FIG. 3B is a side view of the apparatus coupled to a charging cord andcharging adapter;

FIG. 3C is a perspective view of the apparatus coupled to a chargingcord and charging adapter and secured to a wall outlet using a threadedfastener;

FIG. 3D is a perspective view of the apparatus coupled to a chargingcord and charging adapter and secured to a wall outlet with the threadedfastener and complimentary tool;

FIG. 3E is a side view of the apparatus with a smaller portion of thecharging cord threaded through an orifice or through port of apparatus;

FIG. 4 depicts the apparatus according to an aspect; and

FIGS. 5A-5B are views of an apparatus according to another embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In various aspects, an apparatus is provided to secure a chargingadapter or block and/or cord at a location, such as at an alternatingcurrent (AC) wall outlet or other electrical outlet. In one aspect, theapparatus is sized and dimensioned to secure a complimentary smartphoneor cellphone and/or computer (e.g., laptop, tablet, etc.) charging cordand/or charging adapter or block to an electrical outlet using a keyedor other mated fastener. However, the apparatus can be used inadditional applications as described further below. In one aspect, theapparatus is provided with a threaded fastener, such as a screw havingan allen wrench or other type screw head and/or a complimentary wrenchor tool as keyed fastener components. A kit can include a charger lock,a charger block, a charger cord, a keyed fastener, and/or a fastener.

As shown in FIGS. 1A-1J, apparatus 100 can be deployed to secure acharger block and/or charger cord to an electrical outlet of a building,automobile, train, or other component using one or more couplingsurfaces of the apparatus 100 in conjunction with a threaded fastenersecured via a tool, such as a specially-sized allen wrench or othertool. By using a particular fastener and mated wrench or tool, anindividual is unable to use standard tools, such as a Philips orflathead screwdriver for example, to appropriate the charging cordand/or charging adapter/block from an electrical outlet. However,apparatus 100 is configured to enable use of a threaded screw that istypically used with an AC wall outlet cover in conjunction with aflathead or Philips screwdriver to secure the apparatus 100 to the ACoutlet and/or outlet cover.

FIG. 1A is a side view of apparatus 100 according to an embodiment. Asseen from the side view of FIG. 1A, apparatus 100 has a substantiallyhook or J-shape. As seen from the side, and as one example, apparatus100 can be configured for an IPHONE charger block and is about 38 mmwide and about 49.5 mm long, having thickness of about 4.5 mm; and about38 mm wide and 64 mm long, having thickness of about 4.5 mm for an IPADPRO charger block. Viewed from the front (FIG. 1B) the width ofapparatus 100 is about 14.3 mm. The radius of the hook or curved portionof portion 110 of apparatus 100 can be about 11 or 12 mm and can vary inradial length along the length of the curve in different configurations.As described below, the apparatus 100 is configured to prevent or makedifficult, removal of a charger block and/or cord once secured to anelectrical outlet.

The hook or J-shape of apparatus 100 can be configured to apply aclamping or inwardly directed force (compression) to one or moresurfaces of a charging adapter or block 102 which holds the chargerblock firmly in place. The hook or J-shape of apparatus 100 includescoupling surfaces 103, 105, and 107. Coupling surface 103 couples to aportion of an upper surface of a charging block 102, coupling surface105 couples to all or a portion of a lower surface of the charging block102, and coupling surface 107 couples to an electrical outlet (e.g.,wall plate and/or wall outlet 114 (see FIGS. 1H, 1I)). In an aspect,apparatus 100 includes substantially planar or flat and/or smooth outerand inner surfaces which can include rounded to sharp edges. Couplingsurface 105 of the substantially linear portion is configured to have alength that is the same or about the same as a length of a correspondingcharger block surface (e.g., side surface length). For example, surface105 of the substantially linear portion is about 28 mm long for anIPHONE charger block and about 39 mm for an IPAD charger block.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the apparatus 100 includes a first portion 110 anda second portion 112. The first portion or clamp portion 110 is curvedor bent and includes a substantially linear portion and a substantiallycurved portion that comprise the coupling surfaces 103 and 105. Whenengaged, coupling surfaces 103 and 105 couple to opposing charging block102 surfaces and the second portion or outlet abutment portion 112includes the coupling surface 107 that couples to an electrical outlet,such as a wall plate and/or wall outlet 114 (e.g., 120V AC 3-prongoutlet). In one embodiment, coupling surface 103 of portion 110 isconfigured as a lateral rib 108 or rounded surface at the terminal orend portion of portion 110. In other aspects, the terminal end of thesubstantially curved portion can include a flat, sloped, pointed, orother shaped coupling surface. The distance from surface 103 to theinner surface of portion 110 is about 25 mm (measured perpendicularly)which is a smaller distance than the height of the charger block so thatthe charger block is clamped and held securely by apparatus 100. Thecurvature of surface 103 assists when engaging and disengaging chargerblock 102 from apparatus 100, while also configured to apply acompression force when engaging and engaged with charger block 102. Thecurved surface 103 of rib 108 allows charger block 102 to be readilyinserted into the interior of apparatus 100 and also, due in part toprotruding below the inner surface of apparatus 100, applies a downwardforce that secures charger block 102. Rib 108 can have a diameter ofabout 6.2 mm and can be configured with different dimensions and/orshapes in order to produce larger or smaller amounts of holding force.Instead of smooth inner and/or outer surfaces, apparatus 100 can beknurled or otherwise roughened to apply additional holding force.Surface 103, surface 105, and overall hook-shape of the apparatusoperate to apply a holding force to a charger block 102 when engaged.Apparatus 100 can be sized and configured to secure a variety of sizedand dimensioned charger cords and/or adapters and/or wall plugs. Asdescribed above, the substantially linear and curved portions of firstportion 110, including rib 108, of apparatus 100, when coupled to acharging adapter 102 or wall plug, applies a contact force or inwardforce that secures charging adapter 102 by surface contact andassociated distributed force.

The first portion 110 includes an orifice 118 for threading and securinga charging cord. According to an embodiment, the orifice 118 ischamfered or angled inwardly (from the inner surface to the outersurface) and sized and dimensioned to allow a smaller end (typically thephone-side coupling) (but not the USB or larger end) of the charger cord104 to be threaded therethrough when mounting to a wall outlet. Thelarger end of the charger cord 104 (typically a USB coupling) is unableto pull through the orifice 118 due to the smaller size of the orifice118.

According to one embodiment, second portion 112 includes a through holeor orifice 116 that is sized and dimensioned to accommodate a threadedscrew or other fastener that mates to wall plate and/or wall outlet 114.For example, orifice 116 can be about 3 mm in diameter. The couplingsurface 107 of the second portion 112 that abuts against an electricaloutlet, such as a wall plate and/or wall outlet 114 is substantiallyflat and the surface area is sized and dimensioned to mate to a surfaceof the electrical outlet. For example, the surface 107 of portion 112can be about 16.3 mm×14.4 mm and portion 112 is about 4.2 mm thick. Whenplugged in, the mating or mounting surface of the charging adapter orblock 102 provides additional surface area that enables a secureimmovable coupling when fastened with a threaded or other fastener.According to an embodiment, when coupled together, the mating or wallmounting surface of the charging adapter and the coupling surface 107 ofthe second portion 112 of the apparatus 100 results in a largersubstantially contiguous surface area for mounting and/or engaging withwall outlet.

Apparatus 100 can be formed and fabricated in a variety of ways usingvarious means and materials, such as 3-D printing, injection molding, orother techniques and existing methods. Plastics, metals, and/or othermaterials can be used to manufacture apparatus 100. Additionally,apparatus 100 can be utilized for other applications. For example,apparatus 100 can be sized and dimensioned to prevent or limit a 2 prongor 3 prong electric cord end from shaking loose or inadvertently beingremoved (e.g., pulled loose) from a wall outlet. The apparatus 100 canbe used to contain the male end of the electric cord in a removablyconnected manner with a wall outlet utilizing a removable fastener, suchas outlet plate screw. In one example, the apparatus 100 can include athumb screw or fastener that does not require a tool to remove thefastener from a wall outlet. Aspects described herein can further becombined to achieve different configurations including sizingand/dimensioning to accommodate a particular application.

One example manufacturing process of apparatus 100 includes:

Step 1: File for the object is created using 3-D CAD program.

Step 2: File sent to slicing platform for 3D printing.

Step 3: Object is printed out on 3-D printer with PLA film or othermaterial.

As an example of securing a charging cord and/or charger block or plugwith apparatus 100:

Step 1: insert the smaller end of the charger cord into the orifice 118of the apparatus 100 (FIG. 1G);

Step 2: plug charger block into an electrical outlet (FIG. 1H); and

Step 3: use the existing screw in the outlet or use a keyed accessory(e.g. allen screw) and thread or push the screw or accessory through thehole 116 and screw/fasten to the outlet threads/mating fastener tosecure or lock the block charger and/or cord (FIGS. 1H, 1I) to the walloutlet. The order of steps 1) and 2) can be reversed. It is alsopossible to engage the charger block with the apparatus 100 beforeplugging in the combined structure into the electrical outlet andsecuring with the fastener. Apparatus 100 and/or charger block and/orcord can be removed by removing the fastener from the outlet.

As the charger block is inserted into apparatus 100, surface 105 engagesa lower surface of the charger block and surface 103 engages a topsurface or portion of the charger block. The attached cord that has beenthreaded through orifice 118 provides additional support means thatassists in preventing the removal of apparatus 100 and charger blockwhen fastened to the electrical outlet. For example, for an IPHONEcharger cord, orifice 118 is about 8.6 mm×5.3 mm and 10.8 mm×4.8 mm foran IPAD PRO charger cord. For the IPHONE charge cord, the distance(measured perpendicularly) from the inner surface of portion 110 tocenter of orifice 118 is about 18 mm and about 15 mm for the IPAD PROcharger cord.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of apparatus 100 configured with additionalstructural features. According to an embodiment, the outer surface offirst portion 110 includes first and second longitudinal ribs 120 and122. In other aspects, apparatus 100 can be configured with a singlerib, a plurality of ribs (e.g., more than 2), and/or partiallongitudinal ribs that traverse defined portions of the outer surface,according to a desired implementation. Apparatus 100 of other aspectscan include one or more lateral ribs positioned along the outer surfaceor other portion of apparatus 100 to add additional rigidity. As shownin FIG. 2 , first and second ribs 120 and 122 traverse outer surface ofportion 110 from second portion 112 to rib 108 and include a height ofabout 3 mm as measured from the top of the channel 124. The ribs provideadditional support in part to prevent cracking or undue bending of theapparatus 100 if a user attempts to remove apparatus 100 withoutremoving the fastener. Channel 124 is formed between ribs 120 and 122and is about 5.5 mm wide having a thickness of about 3.4 mm. Anadditional rib, material, or structure can be provided at the junctionof the first and second portions 110, 112 to prevent cracking orbreaking at the angle formed therebetween. As will be appreciated firstand second portions 110, 112 can be made thicker or thinner according topreference and application. The ribs 120, 122, and front rib 108 can bemanufactured in different shapes and/or sizes that include rounded orsharp edges or a combination thereof. For example, each longitudinal ribcan be rounded, pointed, or sloped, or some combination thereof.

FIGS. 3A-3E depict apparatus 200 where orifice 118 is sized anddimensioned to accommodate different sized charger cord 204 ends andfurther depicting fastener 109 and removal tool 106. Additionally, thedistance from the top of the curved portion to the wall coupling portionof apparatus 100 is longer to accommodate different sized charger blocks202. Likewise, the radius or dimensions of the curved portion can besized to accommodate smaller or larger blocks.

In a commercial embodiment, FIGS. 1A-1J and 2 are configured for IPHONEcharger components and FIGS. 3A-3E are configured for iPad Pro USB-Ccharger components. Apparatus 200 of FIGS. 3A-3E may also be modified toinclude at least one longitudinal rib and/or one or more lateral ribs.Apparatus 100, 200 can be packed and sold with complimentary chargerblock and cords.

FIG. 4 is a view of apparatus 100 (also applies to apparatus 200) havinglongitudinal ribs 120′ and 122′ that have a gradual slope or angle fromthe outside portion of the rib down towards the channel therebetween,providing a strong and resilient force against removal or breakage whilealso applying additional clamping force to an attached block or adapter.In one embodiment, the angle from the top of the rib to the channel isabout 25-50 degrees (measured from about the top of rib to about thechannel).

FIGS. 5A-5B are views of apparatus 500 according to an embodiment. Forexample, the apparatus 500 can be used to secure an IPAD charger orpower adapter to a faceplate of an AC outlet using a threaded or otherfastener. Apparatus 500 has a substantially hook or J-shape. Apparatus500 is configured to prevent or make difficult, removal of a chargerblock and/or cord once secured to a wall outlet.

The hook or J-shape of the apparatus 500 can be configured to apply aclamping or inwardly directed force to one or more surfaces of acharging adapter or block which holds the charger block firmly in place.The hook or J-shape of the apparatus 500 includes coupling surfaces thatcouple to a portion of an upper surface of a charging block, to all or aportion of a lower surface of the charging block, and to an electricaloutlet (e.g., wall plate and/or wall outlet). The coupling surface thatcouples to a wall plate and/or wall outlet includes a flange orextending internal portion 501 that adds additional rigidity and surfacearea that provides additional coupling surface when the apparatus isengaged to a wall outlet.

In one embodiment, the distal coupling surface 502 at the end of thecurved or portion is configured as a slightly protruding rib or angledportion that angles back towards channel. The coupling surface 502assists when engaging and disengaging a charger block from theapparatus. The coupling surface 502 applies a downward force thatsecures the charger block when engaged. Coupling surface 502 can beconfigured with different dimensions in order to produce larger orsmaller amounts of holding force. Instead of a smooth inner surface,apparatus can be knurled or otherwise roughened to apply additionalholding force. The various coupling surfaces and overall hook-shape ofthe apparatus operate to apply a holding force to a charger block whenengaged. Apparatus 500 can be sized and configured to secure a varietyof sized and dimensioned charger cords and/or adapters and/or wallplugs. The apparatus, when coupled to a charging adapter or wall plug,applies a contact force or inward force that secures the chargingadapter by surface contact and associated distributed force.

As shown, apparatus 500 includes two orifices 503 and 504 that may beused to thread and secure a charging cord. In one aspect, one or both ofthe orifices can include a removable portion or portions (e.g. tab(s))for enlarging the orifice. Removable tabs may be used in otherembodiments as well. Depending on the configuration of the chargingblock cord inputs, either orifice may be used according to thecorresponding block charger cord input and location. Additional or fewercord orifices may be included in other embodiments. Either or bothorifices may be chamfered or angled inwardly (from the inner surface tothe outer surface) and configured to allow a smaller end (typically thephone-side coupling) of the charger cord to be threaded therethroughwhen mounting to a wall outlet. The larger end of the charger cord(typically a USB coupling) is unable to pull through the orifice due tothe smaller size of the orifice.

Apparatus 500 includes first and second longitudinal ribs extending overthe outer surface. Ribs can have a height of about 2-5 mm as measuredfrom the top of the channel which provide additional support in part toprevent cracking if a user attempts to remove the apparatus withoutremoving the fastener. A channel is formed between ribs and is about10-12 mm wide having a thickness of about 3-6 mm. Portions of theapparatus can be made thicker or thinner according to preference andapplication. The ribs and other portions can be manufactured indifferent shapes and/or sizes that include rounded, angled, sharp,pointed, flat, or other configurations or some combination thereof.

Apparatus 500 includes a through hole or orifice that is sized anddimensioned to accommodate a threaded screw or other fastener that matesto the wall plate and/or wall outlet. The coupling surface that abutsagainst a wall plate and/or wall outlet is substantially flat and thesurface area is configured to mate to the wall plate and/or wall outlet.This coupling surface includes flange or extending internal portion 501.When plugged in, the mating or mounting surface of the charging adapteror block provides additional surface area that enables a secureimmovable coupling when fastened with a threaded or other fastener.According to an embodiment, when coupled together, the mating ormounting surface of the charging adapter and the coupling surface of theapparatus results in a larger substantially contiguous surface area formounting and/or engaging a wall outlet or plate.

In various aspects, apparatus 500 can be configured to include lengthsof about 1.5 in. to about 5 in. and widths (measured from the side (J))of about 1.25 in. to about 2.75 in. but it will be appreciated thatfabrication can be used for different sizes, configurations, and/orshapes to accommodate and secure various sized and dimensioned chargersand/or cords. The apparatus 500 can be formed and fabricated in avariety of ways using various means and materials, such as 3-D printing,injection molding, or other techniques and methods. Plastics, metals,and/or other materials can be used to manufacture apparatus.

The foregoing description has been presented for the purposes ofillustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or tolimit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. Many modificationsand variations are possible in light of the disclosure. It is intendedthat the scope of the invention be limited not with this detaileddescription, but rather by the claims appended hereto.

1-20. (canceled)
 21. An apparatus for securing a charger block to anelectrical outlet comprising: a unitary body that includes: a curvedportion that includes a coupling surface for coupling to a first surfaceof the charger block, wherein the curved portion includes an orifice forreceiving a charging cord for the charger block; an outlet mountingportion that includes a coupling surface for coupling to the electricaloutlet, wherein the outlet mounting portion includes an orifice forreceiving a fastener to secure the charger block to the electricaloutlet; and a linear portion extending from the curved portion to theoutlet mounting portion, wherein the linear portion includes a couplingsurface for coupling to a second surface of the charger block, whereinthe first and second surfaces of the charger block are opposingsurfaces.
 22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the unitary body has aJ-shape.
 23. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the unitary bodyincludes a substantially flat outer surface.
 24. The apparatus of claim21, wherein an outer surface of the unitary body includes at least onelongitudinal rib that extends along at least one of the curved portionand the linear portion.
 25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the atleast one longitudinal rib includes one or more of a sloped surface, apointed surface, or a curved surface.
 26. The apparatus of claim 21,wherein a distal portion of the curved portion provides the couplingsurface for coupling to the first surface of the charger block.
 27. Theapparatus of claim 21, wherein the coupling surface of the curvedportion couples to an upper surface or a lower surface the chargerblock.
 28. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the coupling surface ofthe curved portion comprises a lateral surface that couples to the firstsurface of the charger block.
 29. The apparatus of claim 28, whereinlateral surface is curved, sloped, pointed, or flat.
 30. The apparatusof claim 21, wherein the coupling surface of the linear portion couplesto and extends along the second surface of the charger block.
 31. Anapparatus for securing a charger block to an electrical outletcomprising: a unitary body that includes: a curved portion that isconfigured to be positioned away from and behind a rear portion of acharger block when the apparatus secures the charger block to anelectrical outlet; a first coupling portion for coupling to a firstsurface of the charger block; a second coupling portion for coupling toa second surface of the charger block, wherein the first and secondsurfaces of the charger block are opposing surfaces; an orifice forreceiving a charging cord for the charger block; and an outlet mountingportion that includes a coupling surface for coupling to the electricaloutlet, wherein the outlet mounting portion includes an orifice forsecuring a fastener to the electrical outlet.
 32. The apparatus of claim31, wherein the orifice for receiving the charging cord of the chargerblock is part of the curved portion.
 33. The apparatus of claim 31,wherein the curved portion forms an opening in relation to a rearsurface of the charger block when the apparatus secures the chargerblock to the electrical outlet.
 34. The apparatus of claim 31, whereinthe curved portion is positioned behind a rear surface of the chargerblock when the apparatus secures the charger block to the electricaloutlet.
 35. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein the second couplingportion extends along the second surface of the charger block when theapparatus secures the charger block to the electrical outlet.
 36. Theapparatus of claim 31, wherein the first coupling portion is part of thecurved portion.
 37. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein the firstcoupling portion is adjacent to the curved portion.
 38. The apparatus ofclaim 31, wherein the unitary body includes at least one longitudinalrib fully or partially encompassing an outer surface of the unitarybody.
 39. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein the outlet mounting portionis substantially flat and substantially perpendicular to the secondcoupling portion.
 40. A kit comprising: a charger block; a chargingcord; a lock apparatus that includes: a curved portion that isconfigured to be positioned away from and behind a rear portion of thecharger block when the lock apparatus secures the charger block to anelectrical outlet; a first coupling portion for coupling to a firstsurface of the charger block; a second coupling portion for coupling toa second surface of the charger block, wherein the first and secondsurfaces of the charger block are opposing surfaces; an orifice forreceiving the charging cord; and an outlet mounting portion thatincludes a coupling surface for coupling to the electrical outlet,wherein the outlet mounting portion includes an orifice for securing afastener to the electrical outlet.